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BALI, INDONESIA

For an unparalleled experience in bali, secure the services of our amiable local tour guides. they excel at guiding you through the city, immersing you in the local ambiance. whether you’re inclined towards iconic tourist spots or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, our guides4me guides are ready to transform your preferences into reality. feel the city’s pulse and unravel unique experiences under their expert guidance..

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Dewardana is 42 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks English & Indonesian.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of bali with dewardana, your expert tour guide and cultural aficionado with years of experience and a deep passion for sharing bali’s rich heritage, dewardana ensures an unforgettable journey filled with fascinating insights and hidden treasures. beyond being knowledgeable, dewardana is your new lifelong friend in bali, guaranteeing a personalized and authentic experience. relax and enjoy the ride as dewardana navigates the island’s enchanting landscapes with expert precision and care. don’t miss out on the true essence of bali – explore with dewardana and uncover the heart and soul of this magical destination, total cost for the guide services of dewardana for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 50 in cash to dewardana after his services. this makes a total of usd 83., this includes transport in dewardana’s own car, but excludes fuel, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs..

“I had a lovely time touring Bali with Dewardana as my guide. We drove around Bali in his new car 🙂. So the ride was smooth, not to mention that he was a careful driver. He was professional and knowledgeable about the places we visited. He was always punctual and accommodated to small changes in the itinerary as I couldn’t climb too many steps due to a previously torn hamstring that wasn’t healing fast enough.” – Alfred, Singapore “ Dewardana was polite, very friendly, considerate and professional. Being my first time in Bali, I felt safe with him. We started communications within minutes of me confirming my booking and he really listened to what I wanted to do etc. He made great suggestions that I didn’t even know about. I would definitely recommend him for anyone coming to Bali .  ” – Jonas, Singapore.

Our other destination in Indonesia is Jakarta .

Welcome to bali, the enchanting island paradise of indonesia renowned for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. bali captivates visitors with its rich spiritual heritage and warm hospitality. as the home to a large hindu community, bali exudes a deeply spiritual atmosphere, with ancient temples and sacred sites dotting its picturesque landscapes., immerse yourself in bali’s vibrant arts scene, where traditional dance, sculpture, music, and paintings showcase the island’s distinctive cultural heritage. don’t miss the chance to witness mesmerizing balinese dance performances or explore local art galleries and handicraft markets to discover unique treasures to take home., indulge your taste buds with bali’s exquisite cuisine. where fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and tropical fruits take centre stage. from savoury satays and spicy curries to refreshing coconut-based drinks. bali offers a culinary journey like no other, blending traditional flavours with modern twists., but bali is not just about breathtaking scenery and mouthwatering cuisine. it’s also about the warmth and friendliness of its people. experience the genuine hospitality of the balinese people as you interact with locals and learn about their traditions and customs, passed down through generations., embark on a journey of discovery and adventure as you explore bali’s iconic landmarks. from the iconic gate of heaven at pura lempuyang to the verdant rice terraces of ubud. whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply relaxation on sun-kissed beaches. bali offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted and inspired., whatever you choose to do in bali, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a guides4me guide, who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend., a map of local hotels with discounts up to 60%, the cheapest flights to denpasar, bali, per month, latest blog post list.

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Ultimate Gay Travel Guide To Bali, Indonesia

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There’s Bali, then there’s the real Bali . The Bali we know conjures screensaver worthy images of beaches, centuries-old temples, pampering villas and spas and maybe a healer or two. Those who have actually visited the island will argue that’s just scratching the surface. Bali is detox and spiritual quests, participating in a Hindu ceremony, rainforest trekking and learning local customs and language, and it’s a haven for gay travelers, especially with the thriving LGBT scene. Here’s our gay travel guide to Bali.

gay tour guides bali

First, right off the bat, we should mention if you’re gangbusters explorative, you will inevitably (and perhaps unfortunately) discover the real “real” Bali . This includes the lack of a waste management system, giving locals no option but to throw garbage into the rivers, which carries trash into the ocean, monster waves spitting them back onto shore, sea water deemed so bad that skin disorders are a threat, particularly after monsoon season (Indonesia was listed as 2nd worst country with poorly managed plastic waste in 2015 ).

gay tour guides bali

Threats are a reality with Al Qaeda’s objection of the 80 percent Hindu population and the Westerners who support the destination (while Indonesia is the largest Muslim community in the world, Bali is a predominately Hindu-practiced island nation). The 2002 and 2005 bombings still resonate with Americans.

Traffic-choked roads worsen as the rise of motorbikes create further chaos, road rage and destroy the environment. So, now… Bali. Paradise or trouble in Paradise?

Bali gets a lot of slack. While the island may be quickly developing, the infrastructure is not. And there are people like me who notice the buzzkill.

gay tour guides bali

But like the rainbow that emerges after the Balinese rain clouds, Bali is slowly— very slowly—making adjustments. Indonesia is holding onto real democracy and change, a country reimagined after the collapse of the New Order in 1999. While some problems may take years to tackle, the current president Joko Widodo is aware . And he’s not the only one who wants to eat, pray and love Bali.

Hotels belonging to Bali Hotels Association practice sustainable ecological waste management, and traffic control is being explored. Furthermore, security checks are enforced at all resorts, popular restaurants and attractions, every vehicle as well as roster of guests carefully investigated. In fact, the search is so thorough security officials often check under hoods, under the cars and inside trunks, so safety is never questioned.

Thanks to gorgeous resorts, scenery and just pure fabulousness of Bali island life, the gay scene is burgeoning with international visitors. The gay strip— Dhyana Pura—is home to gay bars and gay friendly establishments, and the resorts, beaches, restaurants and attractions are unarguably paradise for the LGBT community. In fact, one doesn’t necessarily need a gay travel guide to Bali; it’s already pretty gay.

gay tour guides bali

I also won’t hesitate to say Bali is one of the most exciting destinations I’ve visited. The dynamic street culture is infectious. Exoticism is rich from beach to rain forest. Centuries-old rituals are still practiced today and ancient temples are ubiquitous, as well as moss-covered stone shrines. The Balinese people are some of the most friendliest and altruistic people on this planet. Indonesian food—if you’re a fan of spice—gets high marks.

Reputable hotel groups have set up camp here due to the unforgettable, commanding landscape and influx of starry-eyed visitors. There’s so much to see in Bali—the size of Singapore with a population of five million—that the average time spent here (10 days) may not be enough. With that said, many visit and actually never leave, evident with the wealth of ex-pats drawn to the people, food and customs—and the fact it’s inexpensive to live there.

From the cultural point of Ubud to the sublime coast of Nusa Dua, each of Bali’s 8 regencies (some would equate to neighborhoods in a city) are unique, impressing those who like diversity with their one-stop destinations. Ultimately, Bali is hedonism, a place of soul-searching and finding it, whether with a romantic partner or yourself and no one will argue that’s the real Bali. Here’s our gay travel guide to Bali based on popular regions.

Ultimate Gay Travel Guide to Bali

gay tour guides bali

While the island is sprawling with endless areas of interest, some are better equipped for tourism, one of which is Seminyak, the most visited regency in Bali, and with good reason. It serves as a hub of terrific hotels and villas, local boutique designer shops, miles of beach and easy access from the airport (about fifteen minutes). But don’t expect glam. The narrow streets are a traffic nightmare, cramped with speedy motorbikes and wandering dogs almost 24-7 and the beaches are trashy (and I mean this literally regarding the floating debris, especially at night).

Even walking along the street, the curbs and sidewalks are littered with flower offerings, small boxes or “boats” typically made from coconut leaves and filled with flower petals and the humidity tends to capture the days-old garbage. In fact, on my first outing, it felt as if there was a huge festival the night before and nobody bothered to clean up. It turns out, well, that’s how the streets look every day! Nevertheless, Seminyak does harbor some of the island’s best sunsets, hotels keep their beachfront tidy and the camp-fed “gay” street is novelty alone.

+ Looking forward to dinner at the delicious Sarong tomorrow evening. One of my favs. #Bali #permissionistriumph #Sarong pic.twitter.com/yPymzNlDI3 — Adriano Di Prato (@AdrianoDiPrato) January 15, 2019

Speaking of gays, they come to Seminyak in droves. You’ll find a healthy variety at Café Bali , a restaurant that looks like a colonial doll house of sorts with a large outdoor deck, or at Sarong , a trendy restaurant offering a modern approach to street food. It was nice to find Seminyak offered some cosmopolitan flair. I was impressed with the diverse clientele: I heard conversations in German, Japanese and the heaviest of accents (from Australia to the deep south of the states!) proved Bali is on the international bucket list.

gay tour guides bali

In Seminyak, there’s a gay “beach” though it’s reputation of cruising precedes it (which is great if that’s how you roll!). You’re better off at Ku De Ta , a casual hangout favored by both hetero and homo alike, known for beachfront cabanas, a South Beach-style scene with lounge grooves and killer cocktails to boot. A newer option is Potato Head, just down the road, similar atmosphere, same concept. Both bars truly took me from the bustling streets to melt away with a stiff drink.

Legian is a suburban 7 beach area on the west coast of Bali just north of Kuta & south of Seminyak the area between Melasti & Dhyana Pura. pic.twitter.com/BFtP8f8eBx — THE HAVEN Seminyak (@thehavenbali) March 6, 2017

The strongest indication Seminyak lures the LGBT community is the fact it’s the only place with gay nightlife in Bali. You’ll find the motherload on Dhyana Pura, a tiny street home to a string of small gay bars. Mixwell is the preferred watering hole as the staff is friendliest and the DJ seems to know what the crowd wants. My idea to rise early for the sunset was foiled when the bar really didn’t pick up until after midnight. Every fifteen minutes, a drag queen commanded the audience with American pop songs and local go-go boys strut on the bar in the skimpiest and campiest of outfits. So wrong it was just right. What makes this strip exciting is that the streetfront bars allow the patrons to flood out into the street, particularly on the weekends: tourists (both gay and straight) pause to socialize, flirt and get a nice dose of the free shows at the bars.

There’s no shortage of pampering hotels and villas in Seminyak and you’ll find a diverse range of accommodations, whether it’s the old-school queen of luxury at Legian or the new W Bali.

Physically at home, mentally poolside at @WBali . #WEscapes #Daydreaming pic.twitter.com/hnaOK7ESNS — W Hotels (@WHotels) July 14, 2020

W managed to muscle its way onto the beach, bringing its signature amenities and design gays live for. The design is a contemporary approach to traditional Balinese, and it’s eye candy with fun amenities (oxygen-filled lounge, three-story beach bar).

I wanted to go medium local and stayed at Anantara Resort & Spa , a Thai brand that opened on the beach about a decade ago. The comfortably chic boutique is a three-minute walk to the gay strip so my stumbling walks home were short and sweet without having to hop on the back of someone’s moped for chump change.

Most of the 60 suites have fantastic ocean views but that was the least of my concerns considering the delightful amenities all the suites are equipped with, including a large outdoor veranda with private jacuzzi tub, large shower with various pressure settings, separate vanity with ample closet space and the cuteness of the welcome fruit inside a large birdcage. We can’t not include this hotel in our gay travel guide to Bali.

Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran Bay, Pantai Nelayan Tersembunyi Di Bali Selatan https://t.co/iWT6rIhhEB #travelblog pic.twitter.com/xxSWT4Z0kf — Fahmi (@catperku) June 21, 2020

Romance is completely amped up at Jimbaran Bay on the southern peninsula, only a twenty-minute drive from Seminyak. While it shares the same coast, I found the beaches substantially nicer here, and a pace that truly captured “island time.” The shore hosts a number of seafood restaurants, trademark “beds on the beach” and unforgettable sunsets. In fact, these are the three main highlights of the area, considering a shortage of healers, nightlife, rice paddies, jungle treks and money boys. It’s a compact paradise luring foodies to the bustling morning fish markets and surfers to the wealth of great waves, giving a more “retro” feel to the Balinese coast.

gay tour guides bali

The scent of fresh seafood lingers in the salt-stung air, and the perpetual sound of crashing waves creates Zen. Even the two luxury resorts here are attractions in themselves, for both locals and visitors alike. It was the best detox from Seminyak, and I finally had time to crack open my beach book, Robinson Crusoe.

If you’re looking for sprawling and fab, Ayana Resort and Spa is a 200-acre, 368-room property that’s so tricked-out, you don’t have to leave the premises and, quite frankly, most guests don’t. I felt like a passing traveler in a self-contained village.

Do you know that sleep is key for overall health and wellbeing? That is why our ultra luxurious villas are set on the scenic Jimbaran Bay cliffs amongst the lush tropical gardens, and offer world-class facilities and uncompromised privacy. #AYANAresort #Bali pic.twitter.com/hXTR5238tZ — AYANA Hotels (@AyanaResort) April 6, 2020

There are five pools (both fresh- and salt-water), 12 restaurants and lounges, two glass-wedding chapels, a sliver of private beach, tucked away hales , award-winning, 236,000-square-foot spa (that includes a truly pampering, 12-course aquatherapy circuit) and a sports facility that includes fitness center, jogging path, yoga pavilion, tennis courts and 18-hole golf putting course.

If you think that’s enough to keep you busy, they throw in surprises. For instance, during my stay, guest yogi Jacqui Cooper, a medal-winning aerial skiing Olympian and certified instructor, taught a free outdoor class to fifty guests.

To really do Ayana right, splurge on one of the 78 free-standing, cliff-top villas . They start at 3,225 square-feet and include a 24-hour butler (you’re given a cell should you need anything), private infinity-edge plunge pool, sunbeds and gazebos and your own waterfall garden. If that’s not privileged enough, there’s a separate room entirely for the soaking bathtub, about the same size of the living area. I felt quite liliputian in such quarters but I also felt rightfully like a prince in my own kingdom.

Formerly the Ritz Carlton, the property became Ayana two years ago and repeat visitors will notice the sheer awesomeness of the year-old Rock Bar. An open-top bar—with cocktails created by Michelin-star F&B executive Marc Dobbels—is set on a cliff outcrop where crashing waves, 360-degree views and sublime sunset (happy hour is popular here) create an atmosphere challenging to duplicate. Don’t even get me started on the stargazing. It’s one of the main reasons we actually wrote this gay travel guide to Bali… it must have been in the stars!

The 147 villas at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay are modeled after typical Balinese homes (of the swankier variety), completely rustic with private plunge pools and views of the Bay. The resort is intimate and simple, understated elegance with a signature Beds on the Beach so fine-toothed you’ll think it was specially crafted for you. It includes pampering hale on the coast, a terrific degustation menu under the stars while torch-baring canoes roll out in the ocean before you.

Sonho de hoje: começar o dia com esse café da manhã em uma da villas privativas do @FSBali , em Jimbaran Bay. ?: alexpreview (via IG) https://t.co/Fd6G3RMJtq #DreamWithFS #Indonesia pic.twitter.com/X46koUTfL8 — Four Seasons Brasil (@FourSeasonsBR) July 31, 2020

If you want to feel the “old-school” atmosphere of Bali, head to Balangan Beach , a hedonistic strip of sandy beach and home to surfer competitions, $20-a-room hotels on stilts and not much more. It’s wildly idyllic and bare-boned, with little shading so don’t forget your sunscreen. Visit Aluwatu, home of one of Bali’s biggest and most important shrines, and you’ll experience traditional choreographed dances at sunset. Like to ride waves? The breaks here have been named one of the best surfing spots in the world, so we just have to include it in our gay guide to Bali.

The Ubud Rice fields are just so peaceful and an amazing place to just sit reflect and meditate ??‍♂️ — marcusmeetsworld via IG // Fam, what are some of your self-care practices during this pandemic? Let us know in the comments. #travelnoire #stayhome pic.twitter.com/zg94v6CH6z — Travel Noire (@TravelNoire) April 28, 2020

Locals, including ex-pats, won’t exactly admit Eat, Pray, Love ruined Ubud but their eyes will tell a different story. The location for the blockbuster film is more overrun with tourists, which means longer lines at favorite haunts, cheesy tours and thrice as many roaring motorbikes. If there’s one redemptive note to the instant tourism boom in the small, inland village high in the foothills is that tourists truly fall in love with Ubud, and the small town itself hasn’t changed, which is why we need to include it in our gay guide to Bali.

Ubud is the heart and cultural pulse of Bali. There’s something so magical here, you’re bound to feel a wonderful sensation right away. It’s traditionally been known to inspire and incite artists, writers, hippies, the spiritual variety and, more recently, me. Retreats and ancient temples abound in unspoiled rain forestry. Winding roads are lined with decades-old art studios and old-school vendors while large, stringy root hang from leafy trees, creating a setting only found in fables.

So we tried Babi Guling at Ibu Oka (Ubud) because of an episode in Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. It really tastes good ? pic.twitter.com/2tIHC818y7 — Nirvana in Fire (@LinShu__) September 25, 2019

Most villas and resorts perch along the Ayung River, harboring views into the jungle, of rice terraces and gorges. 14th century temples in the Sacred Monkey Forest are home to hundreds of free-roaming, Balinese Macaques monkeys, known to be ubersacred (both the monkeys and the temple) in this neck of the woods. And culinary treats of all kinds—fresh juices, family-run Indonesian restaurants, outdoor BBQ and even suckling pig—make Ubud a fascinating foodie destination. Make a bee-line to Ibu Oka , which the late Anthony Bourdain declared his favorite suckling pig place ever. Get there early as seats fill up fast. Even at 11 am, I stood in line, waiting to work on my appetite on crispy pork skin and savory meat.

Mozaic marches to a more fine-dining beat. It’s touted as the best restaurant in Ubud, heck even all of Bali, thanks to chef Chris Salans (graduate of French Laundry), who opened ten years ago. Mozaic features a six-course tasting menu in a stylish, outdoor venue in the jungle.

A sunset pic we took @ the #Amandari resort, where we stayed for a few days last time in #Bali . Review: https://t.co/mgc0PEFmI9 @Amanresorts pic.twitter.com/EnXf7gRE2B — TravelPlusStyle.com (@TravelPStyle) January 25, 2017

If you come to Ubud and see a temple, ride a motorbike, chill in a resort’s infinity pool and indulge in a streetside $5 massage then you haven’t truly experienced Ubud. To fully understand the culture, one must immerse himself by participating in pastimes, activities and attractions most hotels offer.

The chic, 30-suites Amandari was able to arrange a traditional blessing ceremony with a local priest for me. This ceremony is generally offered during an important day (birthday or wedding), a Karma cleansing, if you will, and was performed just outside Amandari’s main entrance. After the priest sang a variety of prayers, I was blessed by him, sprinkled with water and dry rice, and finally I made all sorts of offerings ( canag ) to the God, and was able to ask for wishes. One wish I should have made was to stop the rain, which comes every day in rainy season due to its location, but the random showers never last a handful of hours.

The 60-room Four Seasons Sayan , where Julia Roberts stayed during filming, is at the base of the river. The design of the resort is quite commanding (note the signature, disc-shaped lily pond roof) and botany lovers will appreciate the well-kept landscape chockfull of stag-horn ferns, thumbergia vines, herb and gardens and Banyan trees. Just imagine the invigorating, floral scents.

eat pray love ⭐⭐ a primeira hora é tão chata que quase desisti, a segunda melhora um pouco mas nada espetacular. o que vale a pena é a elizabeth andando de bicicleta, comendo pizza e falando francês. pic.twitter.com/fcHTEpGI6F — laura ミ☆ (@latinsroses) December 24, 2020

The resort pays tribute to the Balinese farmer by offering “Live Like a Local” excursion. After an hour-long, scenic trek in the jungle and village, I had breakfast in a bale by a sprawling rice paddy then planted some of my own. Don’t worry, it gets better. After a few hours of dirtying hands, I was whisked away to the spa villa to experience batukali (stone bathing ritual), which comprises a stone scrub and massage. It’s perhaps more posh than the way of the traditional farmer but thematic nonetheless. This was followed by a riverfront, nasi campur (mixed rice) lunch in a private bale and included a gorgeous scrapbook memento with nasi campur recipes and photos of the day’s journey.

COMO Shambala #Bali , adds a whole new dimension of opulence to your standard wellness retreat. http://t.co/PSEvD3BDHY pic.twitter.com/K2BrvTPjJj — Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia (@TravLeisureAsia) May 14, 2014

Well off the beaten-path is COMO Shambhala Estate just on the outskirts of Ubud, reached by one road (as in, a one-way road shared both directions). The remote location reflects its level of exclusivity, high in the mountains, about 3,400 feet, right on the edge of a cliff that drops down to Ayung river. It’s home to a natural sacred spring bursting with holy water, creating a handful of pools for natural dipping (ancient texts indicate this is one of seven springs women have to visit before getting married).

There’s only 30 villas, most of which are always booked, thanks to its rustic-chic design (stone walls, thatch roofs, green grounds and most of the villas face a whole hillside of terraced rice paddies), personal butler attendant and holistic program that includes unlimited yoga and pilates classes from some of the world’s top experts. COMO is regarded as the best of the best for the best, as visitors have included Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Edward Norton. Don’t expect tacky guest speakers and group meditations as this is not that sort of retreat; the spirituality comes from within and it’s one of the reasons we need to include in our ultimate gay guide to Bali.

A perfect place to stay at East Bali is Amankila. pic.twitter.com/tO6o9xvwhj — P O S I T I V I T Y (@RightDisplay) October 22, 2020

Visit the Karangasem regency on the east coast, and you’ll still see Bali pre-tourism boom. It’s chockfull of caged-up, cock-fighting roosters, rice fields, home-cum-“street”-front shops and arguably the most smiles in the entire archipelago. Karangasem is as old-school as Bali gets, and we’re talking a thousand years. In fact, the small village of Tenganan was the first to be settled in the 11th century and still retains traditions and customs that haven’t changed from the get-go.

Those who live in the village (about 200 families) never leave, and if they marry someone outside their ring, they must move out. Tenganan is also home to ecat, a type of tapestry that’s hand-woven and takes up to two years to make. This is the village that originally gave birth to ecat and is one of few places where production exists… and out of weavers’ shops for that matter. The art form is so intricate and difficult that no one has learned how to duplicate it correctly. Being that Tenganan was the first settlement in Bali, it’s also home to some of the oldest temples and shrines.

Winding pathways lead to secluded stilted suites at #Amankila , where the air is veiled with the tropical scent of frangipani and the magnificent three-tier infinity pool appears to tumble down to black sand beach below. https://t.co/I6Wh956tue pic.twitter.com/uvtLpyRwVa — Aman (@Amanresorts) October 29, 2020

Tradition lingers outside the village. I was fortunate to visit Bali during Usabha Ketiga—meaning “the rituals of the third month” according to the Balinese calendar—where a celebration of dancing, offerings and drinking took place on the side of the street—literally. Cars and motorbikes actually dodged the festival on the edge of the street, the same exact spot where the festival had taken place for centuries, and the road was just an impediment. Visiting shrines and temples are de riguer for locals but tourists should plan to visit one during a celebration, which is much more moving.

A charming, oceanside resort town exists but affluent travelers will prefer the 30-year old Amankila resort. The 34 stilted, thatch-roof, free-standing suites (200 square feet) are bridged by raised walkways, completely removed in its own oasis. Aman groupies may recognize the resort by its signature, three-tiered, infinity swimming pool set into the cliff, facing the sea and flowing into the other down a stepped gradient, similar to terraced rice paddies.

#Amankila ’s 3-tier infinity pool tumbles down to the beach below, as views across the Lombok Strait disappear beyond the horizon. Immersed in the beauty of these natural surroundings, Balinese dishes are served, created from locally sourced ingredients. https://t.co/I6Wh956tue pic.twitter.com/l5qW6AGXo9 — Aman (@Amanresorts) November 21, 2020

The streamlined staff enhance the atmosphere while the design is noteworthy in itself: tall, stone walls covered with fern and moss, angular structures and thoughtful composition, commanding views anywhere you stand, private cabanas (or bales ) throughout the property. At the base of the cliff on which the resort rests is the Beach Club where myriad watersports are offered as well as another pool at a whopping 135 feet. After an exhausting, eight-mile bike ride throughout the regency (mountain bikes provided by the resort), there really wasn’t a better place to come back to than Amankila. Under the band of stars (the light pollution is low, thus constellations wildly pop from the sky), it’s an unrivaled experience, and one of the reasons we need to include in our gay guide to Bali.

What’s not to love @ConradBali with a lagoon access room, blue skies, giant swimming pools, excellent service, delicious food and hot weather. Will certainly be switching off for the next few days #hothotel #conrad #bali pic.twitter.com/8Mn6yDqjPE — TheDesignAir (@thedesignair) September 22, 2019

If for some unearthly reason you have to get away from the belly of Bali, head to Nusa Dua, a self-contained, gated resort complex on the east side of the island. In all fairness, Nusa Dua was conceived in the late seventies as the first development specifically designed for tourism—it’s this region that put Bali on the map internationally!

Also, the best beaches of Bali are arguably here, should you need winning snapshots for your Instagram.

Like to hang at @HiltonHotels ? These are the 52 best, including the Conrad Bali: https://t.co/ceZGanVcTL pic.twitter.com/UqGMOYXIhq — ForbesLife (@ForbesLife) August 12, 2019

Resorts (most fit for large conventions or weddings) line the sandy coast, all considered high end. There’s also a small shopping center—Bali Connections—and a golf course. The best beach is probably at the base of St Regis, open only three years and still feeling quite new. While one would gripe that there’s no Balinese culture found within the property, most won’t turn down the chic pool with swim-up bar, 24-hour butler service and indulgent Remede Spa. Grand Hyatt recently went through a major renovation and Amanusa is still a luxury hotel junkie’s poison. Further up the coast, just on the border, is Conrad Bali , which has the biggest pools in all of Bali (the lagoon pool is 40,000 square feet).

The new Conrad Suites may be underwhelming with design but it’s the perks—private 2,000-square-foot pool, fee-free cabanas, free laundry and dry cleaning and 15% percent off all F&B—that matter.

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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.

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Experience Bali with us

This Bali gay group tour experience includes visits to many of its most famous cultural and religious sites, including the famous Monkey Temples and some of the most beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples in mountain and beachside locations.

Our reverent visits to these colorful religious sites are rounded out with sojourns to worldly sites. Experiences and pleasures on these trips include tasting famous Balinese coffee while touring a working coffee plantation at Sribatu, a hands-on Payuk Bali Cooking Class, a visit to the beautifully landscaped natural Banjar hot springs, a dolphin-watching ride in our own jukung (a traditional boat designed as a small outrigger canoe), visits to picturesque rice terraces, markets, and wood-carving sites plus the slopes of the still-active Mt. Batur volcano!

Bali monkeys

Bali Gay Tour Highlights

• Explore the famous Monkey Forest and meet the macaques who guard its sacred temples and cultural sites.

• Admire Batuan’s famous 1,000-year-old temple, designed in a traditional Balinese style.

• Learn about Bali’s internationally famous wood carving traditions.

• Relish the local cuisine with a hands-on Payuk Bali Cooking Class.

• Admire the local coffee processing style at a Sribatu plantation and relax with a tasty cup of Bali Coffee.

• Reflect on the famous characters of the Indian epic Ramayana depicted in full form, decorating the landscapes of the Pura Kehen temple compound.

• Scan the Lovina Beach waters for frolicking dolphins from our very own “jukung” – a traditional outrigger-style boat.

Bali gay tour - Buddist Statue

Bali Gay Tour Itinerary

Bali gay cultural tour

After our monkey forest visit, we’ll drive to Ubud to explore this vibrant town and its picturesque market. We will also make our way to the nearby village of Batuan, famed for its 1,000-year-old temple designed in a traditional Balinese style. Here we will learn how the locals worship. Our next stop is the village of Mas, internationally famed for its wood carving. In this artistic countryside, we will visit a gallery where we will have the opportunity to learn about this traditional art form. Later, we will return to our hotel for our included dinner.

Bali gay tour - Balinese Cooking Class

This evening we will enjoy a Kecak and Fire Dance, followed by dinner.

Bali gay tour - Kehen Temple

We will continue to a Coffee plantation at Sribatu, where local workers show us the steps involved in growing and processing the famous Bali coffee. Then we are treated to a delicious cup of it ourselves! Next, a visit to Kintamani treats us to a view of the still-active Mt. Batur volcano and its magnificent panorama at Lake Batur. The volcano stands at an elevation of 5,633 feet and its last major eruption was in 2000 but has had a number of small eruptions every few years.

Our delicious lunch today is at a local restaurant, then we continue with a drive to the north on some very scenic roads and stop several times to check out local markets and events. We wind down our day at our final destination in Lovina, checking into our comfortable lodging. Dinner will be on your own today.

Bali gay tour - dolphins

This afternoon we take a drive to visit Pura Beji near Lovina. Its shrine bases and white sandstone walls are covered in arrays of carvings, inspired by the great Hindu epics with a mixture of fables and legends, such as serpents, menacing demons, and guardians. The stone staircases and temple gates of Pura Beji temple also feature intact statues.

We will continue with a visit to the Buddhist monastery of Brahma-Asram Vihara. It is the biggest and the most special Buddhist Monastery in Bali, completed in 1970. There are many features dealing with Buddhism in this monastery complex including the Uruvella Forest, Bodhi tree and Buddhist Stupa. A stunning religious and cultural site recognized with special features sponsored by the government of Thailand as well as the Great Dalai Lama from Tibet. Located high up on the hillside, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, rice fields, and mountains.

After this, we may continue on to visit the Banjar natural hot springs, whose tiered landscape structure includes numerous bathing pools surrounding the hot water spring source. Ornate dragon spouts and impressive architecture are stunning highlights in this hybrid world of both natural and manmade beauty. Our late afternoon drive back to our hotel allows for even more relaxation, rest, and a great dinner.

Munduk Bali gay tour

From Ulun Danu, we will have lunch and visit the Candi Kuning fruits market, one of two main markets in the Bedugul region. As you stroll through the local farm produce you’ll be amazed at the variety of fresh flowers, tropical fruits (mangosteen, bananas, tamarillos, tangerines, and most importantly, strawberries!).

After our market visit, we will make our way to Tanah Lot temple built on a small, offshore island of barren rock on the southern shore of Bali. Legend has it that an intruding East Javan high priest built it in 1489 to spread Hinduism. Facing resistance, however, from the Balinese locals, he famously “meditated” this whole rock formation out to sea, magically turning his robe’s sashes into sea snakes which would guard the site’s base. Presently, a third of the site’s geology is now actually artificial rock, after many cooperative efforts to address its erosion! Today’s final drive is to Sanur for the evening. After checking into our rooms we will meet for dinner.

Bali gay tour - Rice Terraces

After lunch, we will drive to visit Batukaru Temple, referred to by locals as Pura Luhur Batukaru and one of Bali’s key temples. Located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, it’s the second-highest peak in Bali after Mount Agung. The 11th-century Batukaru Temple is devoted to the Hindu god Mahadeva, the master of the air, water, and plants. It’s fitting that this temple resides within the Wongaya Gede farming community and the cool, natural forests we’ve been enjoying all day. This evening we will drive back to our hotel for rest and leisure. Dinner will be on your own.

Sanur, Bali gay tour

Day 10 - Farewell After breakfast, we say farewell to our guides and the new friends we’ve made on this tour, and our drivers will whisk us back to the Denpasar Airport to embark for our next destinations.

Bali Beach Extension - Free and Easy

Jimbaran, Bali gay holidays

Day 11 - Free Day Breakfast at the hotel and a free day of leisure.

Day 12 - Departure Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the nearby airport for your flight home.

Bali gay beach holidays

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Gay round trip | Culture & Experience

11 May - 25 May 2025

6 - 16 g ays |  Available soon  

Lush tropical jungles, mystical temples, stunning rice terraces, sacred rituals and much more await you on the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok. This paradise on earth will seduce you with its turquoise waters, mysterious volcanoes, and magnificent coral reefs. Dive into an unforgettable world of wonder and amazement.

​ Ubud – a bustling artist village

Hiking tour up a volcano

Scenic beaches on Lombok

Visual inspiration

Besakih Temple

Day 1, Sun, 12.05.2025: Welcome to the Island of the Gods

After arriving in Denpasar (flights not included), you’ll transfer to the hotel in Sanur where exotic Balinese delicacies await you at a welcome dinner with the other guys.

Gay group tour to Bali

Day 2, Mon, 13.05.2025: Temple dreaming

Why not spend the morning lounging at the beach not far from the hotel? After a refreshing dip in the ocean, your guide will take you on a discovery tour to the picturesque Taman Ayun temple surrounded by a moat. The famous Tanah Lot temple , which sits atop a rock in the ocean, has been a must-see for visitors for ages. With a bit of luck, the sky will provide the perfect backdrop with an unforgettable sunset for the first full day of your gay holiday.

Discover mystical caves in Bali

Day 3, Tue, 14.05.2025: Mystical caves and steaming hot springs

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll make your way to the lush interior of the island where you’ll explore the mystical Elephant Cave and encounter mysterious stone monuments in Gunung Kawi . Afterwards, you’ll make a detour to the holy spring in Tirta Empul where pilgrims bathe in the healing waters. You might even get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a colourful temple festival – there’s always a ceremony going on somewhere in Bali. Make sure to have your cameras ready as we approach the rice terraces of Tegalalang.  At the end of the day, you’ll check into your hotel in the artist village of Ubud where you’ll have time to go shopping in the countless artisan shops and galleries there.

Visit stunning temples

Day 4, Wed, 15.05.2025: Did someone say “relax”?

What gay holiday would be complete without relaxation? Spend the day relaxing in Ubud . This is the perfect opportunity to check out one of the many legendary Balinese spas in town. If you’re the type of person who finds cooking relaxing, why not take a cooking course and learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine from an experienced chef (additional fee)? The possibilities in Ubud are endless.

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Day 5, Thu, 16.05.2025: Country life

Today, you’ll make your way to the small farming community of Cau where the village residents will give you a behind-the-scenes look into their chocolate farming and production facilities. You’ll learn fascinating facts about the bitter-tasting cocoa bean and receive in-depth knowledge about producing delicious chocolate . In the afternoon, you’ll return to Ubud where mesmerising temple dances and exquisite smoked duck are sure to entice you in the evening.

Bali  is a rice field paradise

Day 6, Fri, 17.05.2025: Rice terrace paradise

Rise and shine! Today, you’ll get an early start on your journey into the mountains ! In Jatiluwih , you’ll marvel at what are quite possibly Bali’s most beautiful rice terraces – a work of art formed by the natural landscape and by human hands. After taking lots of pictures, your driver will then lead you through dense tropical vegetation up into the highlands where another iconic photo opportunity awaits you at Lake Bratan . You’re sure to be charmed by the quaint Ulun Danu temple right on the shore of the lake. Before checking into your hotel on Lovina Beach , you’ll check out the impressing  Gitgit Waterfall .

Explore Bali and its temples

Day 7, Sat, 18.05.2025: Living the beach life

Take the whole day to embark on your own gay adventures exploring Lovina and its sultry black sand beach . If you’re interested in exploring Bali’s underwater world , you can go on a snorkelling excursion to the offshore island of Menjangan (additional fee). The crystal-clear water and intact coral reef are sure to be a highlight of your gay holiday.

Relax on Lovina beach

Day 8, Sun, 19.05.2025: Highland adventures

In the morning, you’ll visit the bustling market in Lovina where you can try all sorts of exotic fruit such as jackfruit, langsat or mangosteen. Afterwards, it’s time to make new discoveries in the highlands . A must-see in Bali is Pura Besakih , the Mother Temple, which was built on the slope of an active volcano, Gunung Batur . In Kintamani , you’ll have the most impressive view of Gunung Batur and the lake bearing the same name. After a day full of magnificent panoramas , you’ll settle into your fully equipped glamping tent . Even rugged gay adventures need a little glam!

Gay group trip to Bali

Day 9, Mon, 20.05.2025: Volcano exploration

Adventure is in the air: your alarm will ring at 3 o’clock in the morning today. Get ready to climb the volcano Mount Batur by torchlight with a professional mountain guide (600-metre ascent). Your athletic efforts will be rewarded with a majestic panoramic view of the Balinese sunrise . Back at the hotel, you’ll have a hearty breakfast , after which you’ll head for the East Coast by bus. On the way, you’ll stop in Tenganan , a unique village inhabited by the indigenous Bali-Aga people , before reaching your destination for the day, Candidasa.

Climb the Mount Batur Vulcano

Day 10, Tue, 21.05.2025: Pool life or island adventure?

Are you experiencing sensory overload from your unforgettable gay holiday? Why not spend the day lounging at the hotel or maybe explore another tropical island ! By speedboat, you’ll travel to the offshore island of Nusa Penida with its turquoise waters, jagged cliffs, romantic beaches, and cascading waterfalls (lunch included; additional fee). 

Nusa Penida excursion

Day 11, Wed, 22.05.2025: Lombok calling!

The time has come to say “goodbye” to the Island of the Gods – but rest assured, your gay adventure will continue. After breakfast, a speedboat will take you to the multifaceted island of Lombok . On the way to your tropical beach hotel in Senggigi, your new guide will give you an introduction to the Islamic way of life on the island: you’ll see towering mosques instead of ornate Hindu temples and you’ll hear the call of the muezzin instead in the place of mystical ceremonial dances. Lombok is another world!

Sandy dream beaches on Lombok Island

Day 12, Thu, 23.05.2025: Sasak tour

Today, you’ll explore the southern part of the island and tour the traditional village of Rambitan with its impressive, thatched roof huts. There you’ll learn about the largest ethnic group on Lombok – the Sasak . After getting your fill of local culture, it’s time to jump into the ocean at the secluded beach of Mawun – absolutely fantastic! On the way back to Senggigi, you’ll stop at Pura Lingsar temple, a special shrine revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. To end another day of gay adventure, you’ll make a contrasting visit to the ornate and colourful mosque in Mataram .

Mosque on Lombok Island

Day 13, Fri, 24.05.2025: Last minute adventures

What better way to spend your last day on Lombok than by taking a dip in the ocean or by taking another tour of the island ? The day is yours to make the most of your gay holiday. Do whatever makes you happy!

Day 14, Sat, 25.05.2024: Back to Bali

Today, you’ll travel by speedboat back to Bali . After transferring to the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to just relax or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping for your friends and family back home.

Day 15, Sun, 26.05.2025: Goodbye, island paradise!

Time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe that your gay adventure is now coming to an end. Today, you’ll transfer to the airport to board your flight home (flights not included).  But wait – maybe you’d like to spend a few more days in paradise . Why not book a two-day extension on Lombok?

Why Bali & Lombok ?

If you’re a beach lover , Bali is the place for you. The island has some of the most breathtaking shorelines in the entire world as well as amazing coral reefs . The black sand beaches typical of volcanic islands are definitely a highlight.

There’s never a bad time to visit Bali or Lombok : the weather is warm all year around with average daily temperatures of 28°C (82°F) .

With thousands of ancient temples, thick tropical jungles, enchanting rice terraces, smoking volcanos, and a culture of mysterious rituals and dance , Bali is guaranteed to awaken the spirit of adventure in you.

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Lombok which is much more pristine and untouched than its “sister island” Bali. Because there are fewer tourists  and less traffic, the island is somewhat more affordable , especially when it comes to eating out.

As a predominantly Muslim country , Indonesia is very traditional and conservative , especially when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community. That being said, Bali is predominantly Hindu and has always been more liberal and accepting of the queer community . Nevertheless, sex remains a taboo topic in all of Indonesia  – regardless of your sexual orientation. So it’s best not to draw attention to yourself with public displays of affection.

During your holiday, you’ll be staying at a variety of hotels and island resorts such as the 101 Bali Oasis, the Rama Phala Resort & Spa and The Lovina . You’ll even spend one unforgettable night at Toteme Glamping Kintamani .

THE 101 Bali Oasis | Sanur

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Arma Resort | Ubud

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The Lovina | Lovina

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Toteme Glamping | Kintamani

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Ramayana | Candidasa

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Holiday Resort Lombok | Lombok

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Optional excursions are available for you to book on the tour:

Day 4 - Cooking class in Ubud: + €75 (US$ 81*) Take a cooking course and learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine from an experienced chef .

Day 7 - Snorkeling on Menjangan: + €125 (US$ 134*) Go on a snorkelling excursion to the offshore island of Menjangan. The crystal-clear water and intact coral reef are sure to be a highlight of your holiday.

Day 10 - Nusa Penida tour:  + €210 (US$ 225*) Travel by speedboat to the offshore island of Nusa Penida with its turquoise waters, jagged cliffs, romantic beaches, and cascading waterfalls.

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LOMBOK EXTENSION

2-day extension at Holiday Resort Lombok: + €169 (US$ 182*) in a shared double room | + €259 (US$ 278*) in a single room

Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of life on Lombok from your Marco Polo guide, take two days to explore the island on your own and discover even more of its natural beauty and its spectacular sights.

Included in the price of the extension package:

2 overnight stays in a single room with bath or shower/WC

2 x breakfast

Transfer by speedboat and bus to Denpasar  

  * The USD prices quoted are approximate conversions of the binding EUR price. The actual USD amount will vary depending on the conversion rate of the payment service provider on the date of payment.

Tour operator

gay tour guides bali

This Guys.travel gay tour is organised and carried out by Marco Polo Reisen, a renowned specialist for worldwide discovery trips for over 60 years.

Prices and services

Bali | Gay round trip | Culture & Experience

  Have a room all to yourself  

  € 2359,-  

≈ $ 2529 *  

  Share a room with a partner/friend  

   € 1739,- 

≈ $ 1864 *  

  Price per person includes:

Individual airport transfers upon arrival and departure

Transfers, excursions, and round trip in a good local coach

14 nights in a single room

Breakfast, 1 welcome dinner (day 2)

Alternating English-speaking Marco Polo tour guides

Entrance fees according to the itinerary

CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour

Lombok extension (opti onal)

Lombok Holiday Resort

Day 14-15, Sat, 25.05. – Sun, 26.05.2024: Island exploration

Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of life on Lombok from your Marco Polo guide, take two days to explore the island on your own and discover even more of its natural beauty and its spectacular sights .

Day 16, Mon, 27.05.2024: Next stop, Bali!

You’ll travel by speedboat back to Bali  where you’ll transfer to the hotel. You’ll then have the rest of the day to do some last-minute souvenir shopping for your friends and family back home or to just sit and relax by the pool.

Day 17, Tue, 28.05.2024 Homeward bound

After an unforgettable gay holiday , the time has finally come to say “ goodbye ” to paradise. Today, you’ll transfer to the airport to board your flight home (flights not included).

Detailed travel itinerary (PDF)

Book your trip now

Travel cancellation insurance:

You can purchase travel cancellation insurance from us immediately after booking by clicking on the link provided in the confirmation e-mail.

After submitting the booking form, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from Guys.travel with a comprehensive overview of the next steps .

You will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail from the tour operator Marco Polo  with an invoice and secured payment certificate . You will be asked to make a 10% deposit up front (full payment also possible).

Once the minimum number of participants for the tour has been reached , you will be notified by Marco Polo  and it is safe to book your flights.

Marco Polo will send you your travel documents by e-mail 10 to 14 days before the start of the tour .

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Things to do Bali

Tour & activities in bali.

Bali, Indonesia’s paradise island, offers a plethora of unforgettable experiences. Explore stunning temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, perched atop dramatic cliffs. Unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to traditional villages and vibrant markets. Embark on adventurous activities such as surfing, diving, or hiking Mount Batur at sunrise. Pamper yourself with indulgent spa treatments and yoga retreats amidst lush landscapes. Discover the artistic side of Bali in Ubud’s galleries and dance performances. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Bali’s diverse attractions and warm hospitality create an idyllic and enriching destination for travelers of all ages.

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Gay Bali - Kuta & Seminyak

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Bali, the "Island of the Gods," has an estimated 20,000 puras (temples) and shrines. Unlike the predominantly Muslim peoples of other Indonesian islands, Balinese are Hindu and animist, making their culture unique, and quite different from that of neighboring Java. Interwoven with art and ritual, Balinese Hinduism has produced a graceful people, decorous in their behavior, in harmony with their land, at ease with themselves and one another. Self-assured, curious and genuinely friendly, they bathe naked at rivers in rural areas, but outsiders should await an invitation before joining in. Sexuality is seen quite differently than in the West, and though tolerant and gay-friendly, Balinese themselves rarely embrace gay lifestyles as an identity.

The tourist-popular Seminyak-Kuta-Legian area is mostly a place for foreign visitors and off-island Indonesians to play, and young guys arrive here from all over Indonesia for the freedom to live more openly. Some of those might sideline as freelance 'money boys' for tourists, and the Javanese are well represented among local drag divas.

Androgyny figures prominently among the mythical figures of traditional music and dance, and homosexuality is not listed among the various sins. So while marriage and children are vital to full participation in village life, same-sex intimacies are no big deal for the young and unmarried. Even after they yield to family pressures to produce children, many continue to have relationships with men. Blogs tell of flings with horny locals, but encounters might involve only playful flirtations. Some knowledge of Balinese or Indonesian can be helpful outside tourist zones, where English is the most commonly spoken foreign language.

Food is inexpensive, with a wide variety of foreign cuisines to complement the intriguingly different flavors of Balinese food with their complex blendings of spices and fragrant roots. Unlike Indian Hindu preferences for vegetarian food, the Balinese eat meat, including pork, not eaten elsewhere in Indonesia where Islam predominates. Fresh fruit and seafood are plentiful, and young green coconut milk is a daily staple, considered very good for health.

The town of Ubud , set among the rice paddies and steep ravines of the central foothills, is the cultural center of the island, with museums, art galleries and performance spaces, but there are others scattered across the island. See the Bali-Indonesia and BaliGuide  websites for listings.

The Kecak Fire Dance , Balinese dance and music drama based on the Hindu Ramayana , employs gamelan suara, storytellers, and a choir of a hundred or more men sitting in concentric circles. Performances can be seen by members of the Taman Kaja Community at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja, Jalan Raya Ubud.

The Bali Theatre mega-stage complex at the Bali Safari & Marine Park in Gianyar, presents grand productions with over 150 dancers and performers along with puppets and animals.

Neighborhoods/ gay scene

Seminyak, North Kuta and nearby areas along the coast, to the west of the capital city of Denpasar, are the heart of the island's newer tourist district, home to most of its gay and gay-friendly businesses, north of the more established parts of Kuta between here and the airport. Jalan Laksmana (also known as Jalan Kayu Aya), at its center, is Bali’s ‘Eat Street,’ just east from the coast at Legian Beach, with plenty of restaurant options, and some fashion boutiques too. 

To the south a bit, along a short strip on Jalan Camplung Tanduk (formerly Dhyana Pura), there are a half dozen or so gay bars all in a row. Also marketing themselves to gay men, sometimes exclusively, are a number of Seminyak resorts, some with clothing-optional pools. The area has several men-for-men massage spas as well, one with a sauna. See below for listings.

Batu Belig Beach , on Jalan Pantai Batu Belig near W Retreat , north of Seminyak, was known as the ‘Gay Beach’ but according to recent reports you might find more guys at Berawa Beach these days. The Double Six Beach , a small strip of sand near the Double Six Hotel , can be found where rainbow flags flap above beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, and cold drinks can be bought. Also nearby is the  Blue Ocean Restaurant on Pantai Double Six, once a hippy hangout in what was the middle of nowhere in those days.

Getting here

The Ngurah Rai International Airport  (aka Denpasar ) is located just to the south of Kuta, on the isthmus at the southernmost part of the island. Lt.Col. Wisnu Airfield is found in north-west Bali. Thirty-day non-renewable visas are issued on arrival for Europeans, North Americans, Australians and Kiwis among others from 169 countries . 

There are plenty of public taxis for the trip to town. Fixed-fare tickets for anywhere on the island can be purchased at the ticketing booth, and a driver will be assigned to you. Hotel shuttles and  transfers are often available too, free, or for as little as $15-20 to Seminyak resorts.

Getting around

Besides Blue Bird metered taxis, there are "bemo" minivans to get you around quite inexpensively in Kuta and beyond. Bali street maps are hard to follow, but drivers generally know the resort, restaurant and nightclub locations. 

Motorbike, moped and car rentals are widely available for those with an international permit, but Bali can be informal about traffic rules, roads are crowded, and they drive on the left -- so first-timers might want to resist that temptation, and hire a seasoned driver to handle the roads.

Cheap and easy bus services link Bali to all major cities on Java and Lombok and to ferries for sea crossings to other islands. Perama , and Safari Dharma are two bus company options.

The rupiah (Rp) is the official currency of Indonesia (code IDR). Indonesians also use the word "perak" ('silver'). Each rupiah was subdivided into 100 sen, but with inflation (one US dollar equals around 13,650 rupiah in early 2020) sen are now obsolete. ATM machines are to be found at banks and other locations in major cities. Inform your home bank of plans before leaving for credit card transactions and cash withdrawals to work smoothly, and for info on partner banks or ATM networks to save on fees. US dollars are widely accepted, but exchange rates vary widely, and crisp new hundred dollar bills are preferred over old, damaged, or smaller denominations. 

Media & Resources

Wolfy Gay Bali and Nomadic Boys are websites with gay guides and travel listings.

The Bali Guide , My Bali Guide , and the Bali Bible websites have general public information on where to eat, sleep, shop and party in Bali. 

Utopia , and Travel Gay Asia , the gay Asia travel websites, also have up-to-date listings for Bali, including explorations of the "real" Bali, away from the commercial Kuta scene. They also list gay-friendly resorts all over the island from central mountain jungles around Ubud to the North or East Bali coasts.

Bali Medika is a modern clinic providing GP consultation and sexual health care at international standards.

Indoleft.org is maintained by the Asia Pacific Solidarity Network (APSN), "a network of activists building solidarity with and support for movements for social justice, genuine democracy and self-determination in the Asia Pacific region."

Bali Sun , Bali Times , Indonesia Expat and Seminyak Times are English language news sources for Bali and elsewhere in the country.

Utopia reports that some Indonesian ISPs block gay content websites, and suggest avoiding Telkomsel or Indosat SIM cards, or hotels that use these providers. The locals have found other ways to get around the problem, so ask around.

Recreational drugs are a big deal to authorities in Indonesia, as the recent marijuana case of Jed Texas illustrates.

Other useful sites for visitors include: the Bali Tourism Board ,  Lonely Planet/ Bali, Bali by Hotels, and the Bali Travel Guide . 

The Arma Museum , Bali Music and Dance , Bali Spirit , Bali Sutra , Bali Theatre , Indonesia Travel (the official Ministry of Tourism website) and UNESCO websites have traditional culture listings , including Legong , Kecak and Barong dance performances.

The Beat/ Bali is a bi-weekly print, and daily internet magazine and facebook page about the clubs and entertainments scenes of this island, and Jakarta too. They also have a radio station, Radio Plus 98.5FM , with internet live stream and archive shows.

The Yak is a slick fashion, culture, food, music, travel and lifestyle magazine about Bali and beyond.

See the Jonathan Copeland blog for photo essays of Bali sights.

Our gay Bali listings page has a map of gay and gay-friendly businesses.

Going Out The gayest bars and nightclubs are clustered along a short strip of Jalan Camplung Tanduk (formerly called Dhyana Pura).

Bali Joe (Jalan Camplung Tanduk, 8), gay/mixed crowd, men/women, sofas, bar/lounge, drag shows, go-go dancers on the bar. See their gallery .

Bottoms Up Bar (Jalan Camplung Tanduk 10), gay club, men/women mix, drag shows, go-go boys and shower dancers. May be closed.

Cafe ChicoRico (Jalan Kunti 7, Kuta), daytime cafe with WiFi from 11am, lunch and dinner, gay-popular evening cocktails and snacks.

F Bar (Jalan Camplung Tanduk 10), aka Face Bar , gay pub, drag shows, go-go boys and ladyboys, theme parties.

M.A.N Resort   (Jalan Padma Utara, Gg Bujangga, Legian, Kuta), cafe/ bar at boutique day club exclusively for men, restaurant cocktails, lunch and dinner; also spa sauna, whirlpool, steam room, meditation room, foam room, and massage services.

Mixwell (Jalan Camplung Tanduk 6), cocktail bar, terrace, DJs, dancing, mixed men/women early crowd, drag shows, go-go boys, theme parties.

Red Ruby (Jalan Raya Pettitenget 919, Seminyak), Western dining w/ Asian twist, cocktail lounge, live Jazz and Blues, dancing, DJs play rotating nights of Hip Hop, RnB, EDM, House, Techno and other music genres.

Sea Vu Play (Jalan Petitenget at Taman Ganesha), Australian/Mediterranean food, drinks and music, TV sports, outdoor tables under the palms; weekly parties include drag shows.

Seven Elephant , a local entertainment/ events company, throws unrestrained and raucously fun events in association with different venues, collectives, musicians, artists and brands, local and foreign, for unique party experiences.

Other mostly straight but gay-popular nearby establishments include:

The Double Six Club, at the eponymous luxury beach resort, the after-2am dance club of choice for many gay people and friends, with bungie jump alongside, and pool too.

The Ka De Ta (Jalan Laksman Oberoi 9), popular Seminyak beachfront restaurant and nightclub with international DJs and performers.

The Potato Head Beach Club (Jalan Petitenget), next to the W Retreat hotel resort; gay-friendly and known for distinctive old window shutters of many colors and sizes -- a nice place for cocktails by the pool, relaxing music and great sunsets.

Sky Garden (Jalan Legian 61, Kuta), nightly mixed bar on 4th floor of nightclub complex, with restaurant service and dancing; former location of Club Pride gay dance nights.

CLOSED: DIX Club , gay/mixed bar/lounge, divas, go-go boys; Koh , underground EDM dance club; After a series at Electrik/Red Ruby/Terrace , the Koh team are now nomadic between venues for one-off dance parties ; Mint , Tech/House/Electronic music dance club, international DJs. Their Terrace Bar became Electrik , then Red Ruby .

Spas, Massage Services and Sauna

Banana Spa: Bali Men’s Club (Jalan Drupadi, 69), gay day spa/ club next to the Harris Hotel ; massage services, swimming pool, sun deck, barista coffees, beer, wine and juice bar, free WiFi, all-day breakfast, burgers, ice cream and snacks.

Elegantz Spa & Sauna (Jalan Tangkuban Perahu 18, Kerobokan), man-to-man Balinese warm oil and body-to-body massages, body scrubs, sauna, dark room, steam, plunge pool, TV lounge, smoking terrace, and cafe.

M2 Spa (Jalan Petitenget 41B, Kerobokan), men's club provides massage and spa services, sauna, Jacuzzi, garden plunge pool, and TV lounge with WiFi.

M.A.N Resort Dayclub Spa & Sauna | Cafe and Bar (Jalan Padma Utara), men's pool, sauna, massage; restaurant, bar and guest rooms.

Several other spas, including Adam’s Apple , Antique , Baliman Healing Spa ,  Bonita , Coco Grande , Jari Menari, and  teMAN, also offer man-to-man massage services of many varieties, plus scrubs and facials -- all at hard-to-resist prices.

CLOSED: Fantasie Gym & Sauna (Jalan Tangkuban Perahu 101, Kerobokan), gay men's sauna/gym, dark room, cabins, maze, cruise/play area, bar.

Lodgings Of the dozen Seminyak resorts we listed for gay men until recently, some with clothing-optional pools, all have now either closed or gone mainstream, at least online. One of them requested we remove their listing altogether - see the bottom of this page.

Green Chaka Paradise (Petitenget 41, Seminyak Beach), private 2-bedroom villa, short walk to beach, restaurants, bars; clothing-optional mineral water swimming pool and water-massage, lush garden, laundry, satellite-TV, WiFi.

Spartacvs Bali (Jalan Pura Telaga Waja Petitenget), boutique resort near beach and restaurants; pool-side bar, Jacuzzi, massage services.

Sunclad Villa (Jalan Umalas Klecung 10, Kuta), secluded private villa, kitchen, pool/Jacuzzi, garden, steam sauna, satellite TV, WiFi.

Villa Angelo (Jalan Petitenget 884), friendly guesthouse, five guest rooms, pool, terraces, tropical garden, cable TV/ Apple TV; near beach and commercial area of bars, restaurants and shops.

Villa Layang Bulan (Gang Daksina 10b/ Jalan Batu Belig), adult resort/spa, villas and private rooms, pool, garden, home-cooked Western and Asian meals, motor-bike and car rentals; near beach, restaurants and massage services.

Villa Burgis (Jalan Drupadi Gang Cempaka 14, Seminyak), over 30 Balinese-style 1 to 6 ensuite-bedroom villas in four seperate but central Seminyak locations; each with large private pool, sun bathing terrace, lush tropical garden/lawn, fully-equipped kitchen, bar, living/ dining facilities, and most with BBQ and gazebo.

The Wood Double Six Villa (Jalan Baik Baik, Gang Taman Sari 7), six villa rooms, pool, gardens, WiFi, room service.

The Seminyak coast has plenty of luxury resort options. With beachside gourmet dining, infinity pools, spas, lush tropical gardens, tour and concierge services and every other kind of amenity, you hardly need to wander -- and the central gay nightlife and restaurant scene isn't far away. Browse these websites to check out a few: Anantara Seminyak Resort , Double-Six , The FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach , Grand Balisani Suites , The Legian , The Oberoi,   The Royal Beach , The Semaya ,  The Seminyak , and  W Retreat Hotel Bali .

On the north coast Bali au Naturel (Jalan Airsanih, Tejakula, Desa Bondalem) offeris a tranquil escape from the busy Kuta scene; two swimming pools, whirlpool, small gym, tropical gardens, and massage services.

Some other resorts are less expensive, and there are many private full-service villas for rent all around the area. See more hotels and guesthouses , and some restaurant options -- from beach cafes, noodle shops and BBQ/burger joints to some of the finest world-class dining establishments -- at our map & listings pages.

Lazy Monkey Guesthouse Lombok Senggigi (Jalan Pantai Batu Belig Gg Papuan 8), men-only studio apartments near Batu Belig Beach; private garden, pool, deck. Former Zen 4 Men .

Phil’s Place (Gang Melati 40), gay men-only boutique hotel near gay clubs; central pool, garden gazebo, breakfast, cable TV/ DVD, massage services.

Travel alert - January 2020.

“Gay is a human right, right? But if it violates order, it can’t be ignored because we don’t legalise same-sex marriages.” -Putu Astawa, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office ( IndonesiaExpat , January 14, 2020).

Anti-LGBT sentiments and the persecution of gay men have made the news in Java and elsewhere in Indonesia for several years now, but Bali, has generally been seen as more tolerant. Local media headlines this month, however, and the initial reactions of local authorities, suggest there is reason to be concerned that this island is no longer immune to harsh attitudes that plague the rest of the country.

The Angelo Bali Gay Guesthouse is at the center of this storm - a villa described as an all-male, small and luxurious guesthouse, where clothing is optional. Local police representative I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara, of the Satpol PP in Badung, has said “We will follow up on this issue" - but added in comments to the Merdeka reporter, “Their website highlights the villa as specifically for the gay [community], here in Bali we don’t recognize that culture.” The head of the Badung Cultural Agency, I Made Badra, told the Tribun Bali, that the existence of such a villa is “ tainting Bali’s tourism reputation," and Gede Ricky Sukarta, of the Bali Villa Association (BVA), is reported in the Bali Post to have said that "the accommodation’s marketing approach was not ethically appropriate."

In their news report, Coconuts wrote: "the villa and its alleged specialty don’t seem especially troubling, but authorities on the island seem unhappy about its existence. Should they find evidence backing the allegations, Suryanegara said Satpol PP would urge the villa to tone down its gay-exclusive marketing, but he did not say if local authorities would shutter the guesthouse (possibly on the grounds that homosexuality is not illegal in Bali or most of Indonesia)." The Bali Times also has a report, and The International Business Times concluded that "Closing LGBT- friendly establishments would impact a significant part of the island’s economy... it remains to be seen if those that hold attitudes of intolerance and homophobia in Indonesia are willing to accept the drop in tourist income if well-heeled LGBT folks move on to friendlier beaches."

Pink News reported that another three villas catering to gay guests are now being investigated, and we here at Xtra received a request this month from the owners of a Bali guesthouse, asking to have their listing deleted from our website. We did so, and then went looking to see what was going on, as they had given no reasons. Of the dozen Kuta/Seminyak resorts we listed for gay men until recently, some with clothing-optional pools, all have now either closed or gone mainstream, at least online. It also appears that some Bali gay bars have tamed their websites and facebook galleries lately, with fewer sexy dancers or images of male couples to be seen.

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Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Bali

The Balinese are Hindu, unlike the rest of Indonesia, which is predominately Muslim. In Bali you will find a relatively rich gay scene although not one that is openly flaunted. While homosexuality is accepted, any public display of romance, whether straight or gay, is frowned upon. The Indonesian legal age of consent for straight and gay sex is 16.

Bali is now a gay-friendly place, and it is unlikely that gays will encounter any problems while on holiday, especially in the touristy areas of the south. The best place to base yourself is in Seminyak, with its open gay scene and plenty of gay-owned and gay-friendly accommodations, bars, and nightclubs. There is also a fabulous gay cruising area north of Petitenget beach.

For up-to-date information on the best places to stay and Bali's gay scene check out the following websites: www.bali-rainbows.com; www.utopia-asia.com; www.rainbowtourism.com; www.balifriendlyhotels.com; and www.baligayguide.com.

Lombok, a Muslim island, frowns upon homosexuality and you will find it difficult to find suitable accommodations and accepting people. The only exception is the Gili Islands, where there is a slightly more laid-back attitude.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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gay tour guides bali

Bali Cultural Tours

Bali Cultural Tours is one of highlight culture tours is visiting 4 temples, to cover and make trip comfortable pick-up time at 08.30. The full day tour will take is about 10 hours. Pura mean Temple in Bali

A pura is  a Balinese Hindu temple, and the place of worship for adherents of Balinese Hinduism in  Indonesia

First stop by at  Batuan Temple  or also known as Puseh  Batuan Temple  is a local Balinese Hindu temple looked after by the local resident of Batuan countryside. The name “Batuan” or “Baturan” mentioned here prompts villagers to joke about being “tough as stone” or “eating rocks” as batu means “stone” in Indonesia and also Balinese

After enough time then visit Besakih Temple well known as mother temple mean the biggest, holiest and most important Hindu temple complex in Bali. That comprises at least 86 temples which include the main Pura Penataran Agung (the Great Temple of State) and 18 others. At least 70 celebrations take place at Besakih every year, as each shrine has its own anniversary. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery,  Besakih Temple  is nestled amid sweeping rice paddies, mountains, hills and streams.

After having lunch (own personal account) visit Kehen Temple, a Balinese Hindu temple located in Cempaga, Bangli Regency, Bali. The temple is set on the foot of a wooded hill, about 2 kilometres north of the town center. Established at least in the 13th-century, Pura Kehen was the royal temple of the Bangli Kingdom, now the Regency of Bangli

End this culture trip is visiting Tampak Siring but Balinese called Tirta Empul- located at Tampak Siring Village, one of the most popular holy water temple for purification in Bali we called melukat. The name of  Tirta Empul Temple  is loaded in an inscription kept at Sakenan Temple, Manukaya village, Sub district of Tampak Siring. It is about 3 km from Tirta Empul Temple. Finally, it become the Tirta Empul. Tirta Ri Air Hampul is meaning the water emerges or the holy pool (Petirthan) as well as the water emerges from the land.

Price for 10 hours full day tours

  • 2 pax at IDR 350.000 per person
  • 3- 4 pax at IDR 250.000 per person
  • For small group more than 4 pax please do contact us

Price includes:

  • Driver fee, gasoline, rental car/vehicle
  • Parking fees
  • Mineral Water

Price not includes:

  • Donation, entrance fee, lunch
  • Personal expenses

Note: We could arrange all includes  donation, entrance fee and lunch depend on number of tour participants

Please do contact us at whatsapp # + 62 87861031018

Booking Form

Rp 350.000 / person.

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HE Travel

Gay travel and tours on all seven continents!

Bali Gay Cultural Tour

gay tour guides bali

  2025    February 15 to 24

Prices listed are per person: Shared Room: $6098 Private Room: $7598

Physical Challenge

Physical Level 2

“I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Bali with HE. It was well curated, we stayed in all the best hotels and resorts, we saw amazing Hindu and Buddhist temples, visited the Sacred Monkey Forest and sacred pools and hot springs, experienced the local culture and its fine crafts in wood and stone carving, went out into the Ocean at sunrise to watch dolphins at play, visited rice fields, ate incredible meals, and more. It was one of the most memorable vacations I have ever been on!” Gary

Experience Bali’s culture, history, people and cuisine firsthand as you visit its colorful temples, rice terraces, markets and natural attractions including hot springs, volcanoes, and lush jungles. The island of Bali, its people, plus its many religious shrines and sites are permeated with Balinese Hinduism, which has its roots in Indian Hinduism and Buddhism.

Explore the famous Monkey Forest and meet the macaques who guard its sacred temples and cultural sites. Admire Batuan’s famous 1,000-year-old temple, designed in a traditional Balinese style. Learn about Bali’s internationally famous wood carving traditions. Relish the local cuisine with a hands-on Payuk Bali Cooking Class. Admire the local coffee processing style at a Sribatu plantation and relax with a tasty cup of Bali Coffee. Reflect on the famous characters of the Indian epic Ramayana depicted in full form, decorating the landscapes of the Pura Kehen temple compound. Scan the Lovina Beach waters for frolicking dolphins from our very own “jukung” – a traditional outrigger-style boat.

This Bali experience includes visits to many of its most famous cultural and religious sites, including the famous Monkey Temples and some of the most beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples in mountain and beachside locations.

Our reverent visits to these colorful religious sites are rounded out with sojourns to worldly sites. Experiences and pleasures on these trips include tasting famous Balinese coffee while touring a working coffee plantation at Sribatu, a hands-on Payuk Bali Cooking Class, a visit to the beautifully landscaped natural Banjar hot springs, a dolphin-watching ride in our own jukung (a traditional boat designed as a small outrigger canoe), visits picturesque rice terraces, markets, and wood-carving sites plus the slopes of the still-active Mt. Batur volcano!

Day 1: Arrival in Bali

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Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, our guide will meet us and transfer us to our first Balinese hotel in Ubud. Situated in the tropics close to the equator, Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago, but has always retained a unique identity. Balinese Hinduism, which has its roots in Indian Hinduism and Buddhism, is the predominant religion and shapes much of the island’s life and culture. An estimated 20,000 temples and shrines scatter the island and colorful religious ceremonies can regularly be seen. This evening we will enjoy our welcome dinner and get to know our travel companions.

Day 2: Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud, Batuan and Mas

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After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Ubud. One of the settings in Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel Eat, Pray, Love, it is easy to see Ubud’s attraction and its ability to create positive energy. Set in beautiful countryside, it is the cultural heart of Bali, and its center is a delight to explore with numerous temples, shops, restaurants, and art galleries. In the morning, we will travel to the Monkey Forest, a nature reserve home to three Holy Monkey Temples and hundreds of long-tailed macaque monkeys. Not only is the Monkey Forest sacred in itself for the villagers, but it is their belief that the animal is a fundamental part of their spiritual lives as it guards the temple site against evil spirits. We will step into the cooling lush jungle sanctuary made up of 115 tree species and enjoy the company of cheeky macaques all vying for attention and food.

After our monkey forest visit, we’ll drive to Ubud to explore this vibrant town and its picturesque market. We will also make our way to the nearby village of Batuan, famed for its 1,000-year-old temple designed in a traditional Balinese style. Here we will learn how the locals worship. Our next stop is the village of Mas, internationally famed for its wood carving. In this artistic countryside, we will visit a gallery where we will have the opportunity to learn about this traditional art form. Later, we will return to our hotel for our included dinner.

Day 3: Ubud Hands-On Balinese Cooking Class

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

After our delicious breakfast, we will prepare for lunch with a special Payuk Bali Cooking Class. We’ll learn by doing (and then eating!), using fresh local ingredients as we hear stories and folklore about the markets and the history of cuisine in Bali. Depending on what’s freshest at the local market today, we’ll make our lunch with some combination of Bali’s most famous herbs and spices, likely to include Kaempferia galanga (galangal), shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and Kaffir lime. Balinese 8-spice is made with white pepper, black pepper, coriander, cumin, clove, nutmeg, sesame seed, and candlenut. Other ingredients might include some palm sugar, fish paste, and basa gede (a spice paste). This evening we will enjoy a Kecak and Fire Dance, followed by dinner.

Day 4: Ubud – Lovina – The Tampak Siring, Coffee Plantation, and Mt. Batur Volcano

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After our breakfast this morning, our guide will escort us to Tampak Siring to see the holy spring water temple Tirta Empul. The spring water is believed to have magical powers by the Balinese to purify you from sins, to give youth and to heal diseases.

We will continue to a Coffee plantation at Sribatu, where local workers show us the steps involved in growing and processing the famous Bali coffee. Then we are treated to a delicious cup of it ourselves! Next, a visit to Kintamani treats us to a view of the still-active Mt. Batur volcano and its magnificent panorama at Lake Batur. The volcano stands at an elevation of 5,633 feet and its last major eruption was in 2000 but has had a number of small eruptions every few years.

Our delicious lunch today is at a local restaurant, then we continue with a drive to the north on some very scenic roads and stop several times to check out local markets and events. We wind down our day at our final destination in Lovina, checking into our comfortable lodging. Dinner will be on your own today.

Day 5: Lovina – Dolphins, Pura Beji, Brahma-Asram Vihara and the Banjar Natural Hot Springs

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

Today we head out before breakfast on our excursion to scan for dolphins around Lovina Beach aboard a “jukung” – a boat traditionally designed as a small outrigger canoe. Traditionally, it’s a fishing boat but newer versions take locals everywhere plus whisk scuba enthusiasts out to great dive locations. If we’re lucky today, we’ll see some dolphins frolicking and showing off alongside us. We boat back to our hotel for a delicious breakfast. The rest of the morning and lunch are on our own.

This afternoon we will visit the Buddhist monastery of Brahma-Asram Vihara. It is the biggest and the most special Buddhist Monastery in Bali, completed in 1970. There are many features dealing with Buddhism in this monastery complex including the Uruvella Forest, Bodhi tree, and Buddhist Stupa. A stunning religious and cultural site recognized with special features sponsored by the government of Thailand as well as the Great Dalai Lama from Tibet. Located high up on the hillside, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, rice fields, and mountains.

After this, we may continue on to visit the Banjar natural hot springs, whose tiered landscape structure includes numerous bathing pools surrounding the hot water spring source. Ornate dragon spouts and impressive architecture are stunning highlights in this hybrid world of both natural and manmade beauty. Our early evening arrival in Munduk, to our hotel allows for relaxation, rest, and a great dinner.

Day 6: Munduk

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

Enjoy a tasty breakfast and eEnjoy the hotel’s amenities today until we meet for dinner. A hideaway nestled in a working coffee plantation surrounded by jungle, it’s been named the best Eco-Luxury resort in Indonesia in 2016 and it’s main pool nominated by Asia Spa as one of the world’s best infinity pools in 2014.

Day 7: Munduk – Ulum Danu Temple at Lake Beratan, the Candi Kuning Fruit Market and the Tanah Lot Temple

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

After a great breakfast, our guide picks us up this morning to take us on a full-day exploration of the Tabanan Regency of Bali. The valleys streaming down from the western mountains into the regency are among the most fertile in Bali. Our first stop will be at Ulun Danu Temple at Lake Beratan. Referred to as the “floating” temple, it’s a juxtaposition with the lake’s smooth, reflective waters and epic mountain range create a hypnotic vision. Ulun Danu was built in the 17th century to worship the main Hindu trinity, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, as well as the lake’s goddess, Dewi Danu.

From Ulun Danu, we will have lunch and visit the Candi Kuning fruits market, one of two main markets in the Bedugul region. As you stroll through the local farm produce you’ll be amazed at the variety of fresh flowers, tropical fruits (mangosteen, bananas, tamarillos, tangerines, and most importantly, strawberries!).

After our market visit, we will make our way to Tanah Lot temple built on a small, offshore island of barren rock on the southern shore of Bali. Legend has it that an intruding East Javan high priest built it in 1489 to spread Hinduism. Facing resistance, however, from the Balinese locals, he famously “meditated” this whole rock formation out to sea, magically turning his robe’s sashes into sea snakes which would guard the site’s base. Presently, a third of the site’s geology is now actually artificial rock, after many cooperative efforts to address its erosion! Today’s final drive is to Sanur for the evening. After checking into our rooms we will meet for dinner.

Day 8: Sanur – Rice Terraces and the Batukaru Temple

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to Wongaya Gede village for some fun exploration on foot. As we drive closer to Wongaya Gede, we’ll see more instances of rice terraces. We will make a stop at Mengesta 1 Elementary School where we will witness some first-rate pro-social and pro-environmental education happening right now in the world. At Wongaya Gede village, we’ll walk through the chill, fresh air past Balinese houses then step directly into the rice fields for the closest of encounters with this ancient cultivating art. Comfortable shoes are recommended and you should watch your step as the paths through these rice terraces can be slippery after the rain or morning dew. As you trace these paths, you can chat with locals who work these terraces, then say farewell as we cross a bamboo bridge and head back up to our walk’s final destination at the hilltop. Once back on the hilltop, we’ll enjoy a traditional snack and have lunch, surrounded by glorious views of the rice terraces plus five mountains in the background.

After lunch, we will drive to visit Batukaru Temple, referred to by locals as Pura Luhur Batukaru and one of Bali’s key temples. Located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, it’s the second-highest peak in Bali after Mount Agung. The 11th-century Batukaru Temple is devoted to the Hindu god Mahadeva, the master of the air, water, and plants. It’s fitting that this temple resides within the Wongaya Gede farming community and the cool, natural forests we’ve been enjoying all day. This evening we will drive back to our hotel for rest and leisure. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 9: Sanur – Relaxing

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

After breakfast today, this day is ours to relax, explore the nearby shops and markets, or to hike the surrounding areas. Later this evening, we will enjoy our last group gathering with a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 10: Farewell 

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

After breakfast, we say farewell to our guides and the new friends we’ve made on this tour, and our drivers will whisk us back to the Denpasar Airport to embark for our next destinations.

Price Includes

Price includes:   All vehicle transportation within Bali, Airport transfers on arrival and departure days; All hotel service charges, government taxes, porterage, and gratuities for included meals; Lodging in hotels for all nights; Breakfast on all days; 7 lunches and 7 dinners; Services of knowledgeable, bilingual local guides and HE Travel Tour Director pending minimum participation; Entrance fees to all sites listed on the itinerary; HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.

Not included:  Airfare to and from the starting points; 1 lunch and 2 dinners; Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls; gratuities for guides and HE Travel host.

Bali Post-Tour Extension

Price includes:   Transfer from final tour location to Extension resort; Airport transfer on departure day; All hotel service charges, government taxes, porterage, and gratuities for included meals; Lodging for two nights in a boutique beachfront resort; Breakfast on all days; Services of knowledgeable, bilingual local guides and services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.

Not included:  Airfare from the ending point on last day; two lunches and two dinners; Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls; gratuities for guides and HE Travel host.

Optional Post-Tour Choices:

$1298  per person in a shared room $1898 one person in a private room

We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.

Bali Beach Extension: Free and Easy: February 24 to 26, 2025

Day 10: transfer to jimbaran.

A local guide will pick you up in Sanur and drive you to Jimbaran where you can relax for the next two nights at an oceanfront resort in an oceanview room. Our clifftop resort is known for its sunset views, indoor and outdoor dining options, a small white-sand beach, and a world-class spa. There are no pre-scheduled activities, allowing plenty of time to leisurely explore the resort and surrounding area.

Day 11: Free Day

Bali-Cultural-Gay-Travel-Tour-HETravel

Breakfast at the hotel and a free day of leisure.

Day 12: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the nearby airport for your flight home.

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Beyond Bali, the Wild Indonesian Island of Sumba Is for In-The-Know Travelers

By Zachary Schwartz

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The Indonesian island of Sumba offers the kind of sanctuary that travelers yearn for. A Sumba sojourn is a “change your life” kind of trip, offering a lost island forgotten in time with unspoiled beaches, rice paddy plateaus, savannah bush, and dense jungle—just an hour’s flight beyond Bali , but a world away.

Situated east of Bali within the archipelagic galaxy of Indian Ocean isles, Sumba is an ovoid, rural island—a bright emerald drop in a sapphire sea with virtually no traffic, tourist traps, or day trippers. The island is wild, in all senses of the word: from its untamed natural beauty, to the fierce pride in its culture, to its ability to challenge travelers’ expectations.

The Sumbanese way of life, in particular, is what makes this island so distinct. Most of Sumba’s residents are subsistence farmers, divided into clans that each speak a unique dialect. They live in rural villages of traditional huts with high-peaked roofs stretched up like taffy to the sky. Most people wear a medley of Western clothing and homespun ikat fabrics, harboring tucked-away scimitars, known as parangs. Many practice Marapu, an animist religion found only on Sumba centered around ancestral worship, animal sacrifice during funerals, burials in megalithic tombs, and ceremonial rites performed by shamans called ratos.

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Remarkably, Sumba has managed to preserve its culture and stave off crowds, despite the pressures of tourism experienced in other parts of Indonesia. For the last century, visits to Sumba were anthropological or scientific in nature. Since the turn of the 21st century, tourism has revolved around a single, lavishly appointed property along the untouched western coast called Nihi Sumba.

But in the last year, a handful of new resorts have germinated along Sumba’s coastline, indicating there may be more development to come. With rumors that hotel chains like Four Seasons and Alila are planning to develop on Sumba, there’s no doubt it’s set to be the next major Indonesian luxury travel destination.

How to Get to Sumba

A trip to Sumba requires additional planning, as there are no international flights into Sumba nor direct flights from America to Indonesia. The only way to visit Sumba is to fly via Bali, despite Sumba’s close proximity to northern Australia. The one-hour scenic flight glides past Lombok and Sumbawa islands, with Komodo to the north in the distance. While intrepid travelers can venture independently to Sumba, Scott Dunn employs well-traveled experts who can assemble a seamlessly executed itinerary that removes any stress from travel. The main airport, Tambolaka, is rinky-dink at best—so travel arranged through an agency is recommended.

Where to Stay in Sumba

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The top resort on Sumba is the iconic Nihi Sumba. Run by hotelier James McBride and entrepreneur Chris Burch, NIHI Sumba creates magic from the raw landscape, transforming rice paddies into luxury nirvanas, a sea mist-shrouded coastline into a destination spa, and teak forests into eco-luxe villas. Located on the remote Nihiwatu Beach, Nihi Sumba is perhaps most impressive for what it has not done; the hotel has resisted the temptation of construction, affording guests privacy within a few bamboo villas set among the tropical wilderness with views of the sea. “The greatest luxury here is where you have a two-and-a-half kilometer beach, and you may see Sumbanese children washing their buffalo, a couple taking a walk, or someone galloping a horse down the beach,” McBride told Vogue . “That enjoyment is extraordinary. Where else can you find that in the world?”

From the moment of arrival in Sumba, NIHI Sumba’s safari vehicle whisks travelers on the exhilarating 1.5-hour drive traversing north to south, passing buffaloes, Sumbanese ponies, taro root roadside vendors, and villages with oblong huts made of corrugated metal. The adventurous ride through the island’s lush heartland smells of fresh earthy petrichor and wood-burning fire, and it’s not uncommon to pass funeral ceremonies with sacrificial livestock. The cold young coconuts and banana leaf-wrapped cakes prepared by Nihi Sumba make the multi-microclimate transfer all the more palatable.

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Nihi Sumba is for the adventurous traveler who finds comfort in luxury. The activity-driven property has no shortage of riveting pursuits: surfing, horseback riding, padel, pickleball, spearfishing, and trekking through deciduous forests, to name a few. But for the traveler who prefers serenity over adrenaline, the resort’s spa delivers indulgence in a wabi-sabi setting. Detached from the main resort and accessible via horseback, trek, or safari vehicle, Nihi Sumba’s “spa safari” makes the most of its natural surroundings: waves crash against coconut husk-strewn coral coves, and one can smell the sea while enjoying a scrub, massage, or facial using oils derived from ingredients found across the island. Sensory catharsis at Nihi Sumba’s spa may also include meditative rice planting, a foot rub under an open-air bale, or connective breathwork with a Sumba pony.

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In the last few years, a new wave of hotels has arrived in Sumba, offering tasteful design and crowdless beaches for a traveler fatigued by Bali’s congestion. The standout newcomer is Cap Karoso, a contemporary beach resort on Sumba’s sunny southwest coast offering seashore R&R with French flair. Founded in 2023 by Fabrice and Eve Ivara, Cap Karoso’s setting exhibits a quiet side of Sumba, nestled at the edge of dry savannah where corn fields and cashew trees greet milky, moody sunsets. “When you come here, you feel that it’s another time in a different world,” Eve Ivara told Vogue . “It’s just completely cut off from everyday life and feels really untouched. You have the feeling of getting close to a different culture and different way of living, which is pure and not touristy. I think that’s a treasure nowadays.”

Cap Karoso’s standout characteristic is its design. With a background working in fashion marketing at LVMH, Ivara chose to design the architecture of the property with a style she calls “modernist with a hint of brutalist.” While many of the materials are sourced within Indonesia, the look has a decisively European sensibility. Villas are more Scorpios than Seminyak, where private pools and an indoor-outdoor mentality resemble a resplendent residence one might find in Palm Springs or Formentera. All living spaces are accessorized with wicker and wood, statues and ceramics, and cement and stone. The textures make the architecture sing: ochre stones, singed banana leaves, knotted rugs, cyan tiles, and rope-strung chairs mean there’s no such thing as a bad photo across the property.

Photo: Zachary Schwartz

Wend your way through the sandy pathways—which criss-cross a maze of guava trees, sea hibiscus, and whizzing dragonflies—and you’ll arrive at Cap Karoso’s fine dining eatery Julang. Serving dinner across a long communal table jutting out from an open kitchen, it’s not uncommon to be seated next to sophisticated diners from Brooklyn, Canggu, or Lyon. Every month or two, a rotating chef visits from Europe to serve a bold tasting menu with ingredients fresh from the hotel’s organic farm. Most recently, Top Chef alumnus Baptiste Trudel has been cooking with locally sourced roselle flowers, freshly caught octopus, passion fruit, and farmed pak choy. The rotational chef is part of Cap Karoso’s cultural and experimental ethos, in which visiting tastemakers in food, music, and the arts are all invited to leave their mark on the hotel.

What to Do in Sumba

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Given Sumba’s undeveloped tourism sector, there are no major tourist sights or restaurants. Hotels can arrange outdoor excursions like e-bike tours, horseback riding, waterfall hikes, swims in Weekuri Lagoon, or tours of traditional villages. Visits to centuries-old Sumbanese villages are the best and most respectful way to experience the island’s untampered culture, offering the opportunity connect with locals, understand how ikats are woven, and try chewing the analgesic betel nut that reddens the mouths and lightens the minds of villagers. Aside from the occasional roadside warung, dining in Sumba revolves around its hotels.

While in Sumba, you’ll want to get out on the water—and riding Occy’s Left is the ultimate surfer’s flex, known as one of the world’s most coveted and enviable waves. It propels consistently perfect swells that carry surfers several hundred meters towards Nihiwatu Beach, and is limited to only 12 surfers per day. Nihi Sumba offers white glove surfing, ferrying surfers via jet ski to the front of the left-leaning wave after each barrel ride.

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The most recommended experience on Sumba is Nihi Sumba’s Wild Wellness retreats, immersive escapes that grant liberation from noisy reality. These are not woo-woo wellness retreats that deprive or set unrealistic expectations. Instead, Wild Wellness promotes pushing participants outside their comfort zones with novel well-being treatments and instinctual connections. On a Wild Wellness retreat, guests may participate in equine therapy, an ocean swim with Sumbanese ponies, underwater rock running, silent disco dancing with Sanctum , or an afternoon of spa treatments. Wild Wellness is an out-of-body experience certain to leave guests stronger, healthier, and more appreciative.

To leave the island a little better than when they arrived, visitors can volunteer with and donate to the Sumba Foundation , making a trip to Sumba an altruistic vacation they feel good about. The Sumba Foundation’s mission revolves around supporting Sumbanese people, with projects ranging from fighting malnutrition, providing villages with potable water, eradicating malaria, and setting up locals with professional skills. Additionally, visitors can stay at Maringi or dine at Makan Dulu, two hospitality projects by the Sumba Hospitality Foundation , a hospitality school in Sumba that funnels graduates into the burgeoning hotel scene in Sumba or further afield throughout Indonesia.

What to Shop for in Sumba

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Sumba does not have a thriving shopping scene like Bali, but it does have authentically handwoven ikats. These gorgeous textiles take several months to craft, and are made of yarns dyed with natural materials like wood bark and indigo. They are traditionally handmade by Sumbanese women on looms for weddings and funerals, but can translate back at home as wall hangings, table runners, or colorful throws. Ikats from western Sumba tend to be simpler and striped, while ikats from eastern Sumba tend to exhibit more complex motifs with animals or people. They can be purchased at hotels or in Waingapu’s town markets. Nihi Sumba’s boutique, curated by retail expert Karen McBride, partners with a collective of local women called Karaja Sumba to source traditional ikats, as well as creatively repurposed ikats into fashionable garments and totes.

Another collectible to bring home is something from a new Sumbanese beauty line called Wallacea Skin, created under the guidance of pharmacognosist Dr. Simon Jackson. The brand empowers local communities by teaching them regenerative farming techniques to cultivate indigenous ingredients, then buys them to create sustainably sourced cosmetics. Wallacea Skin can be purchased at Nihi Sumba, including its moisturizing oil infused with seven Sumba plants: ginger, galangal, coriander seed, turmeric, mangosteen skin, cinnamon, and betel nut.

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Where it's a crime to be gay: A visual guide to where LGBTQ+ rights are repressed

Uganda enacted one of the harshest anti-gay laws in the world last week, a bill known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 . It imposes a life sentence for engaging in "same-sex sexual acts," and the death penalty for gay sex in certain circumstances, such as while infected with an illness like HIV or for having sex with a person with disabilities or a minor. (LGBTQ+ advocates in the U.S. condemn the implication of LGBTQ+ people as groomers or pedophiles.)

It came days before the start of Pride Month, a global event in June that celebrates LGBTQ+ communities around the world. But while the Uganda law has drawn international condemnation and even sparked a fight among a couple of U.S. conservatives , it is not an outlier. The LBGTQ+ community remains heavily criminalized in many parts of the world.

Indeed, around the world, being LGBTQ+ can lead to whippings or other punishments that seem outdated. In Russia, being gay has been legal since 1983, but there are still fines for a lack of "traditional values."

Here's a global overview of where sexual and gender minority rights are threatened:

'Horrific': Biden, Cruz slam Anti-homosexuality Bill in Uganda that includes death penalty

LGBTQ+: Punished in 64 different countries

Of 193 countries in the United Nations, 64 still criminalize same-sex acts, according to a database run by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). "Same-sex acts'' is the phrase used by this and other human rights monitoring organizations.

By region, this criminalization breaks down as follows:

  • In Africa, same-sex acts are illegal in 32 out of the continent's 52 countries. The countries where it is illegal: Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
  • In Asia and the Middle East , same-sex acts are illegal in 20 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
  • There are no places in Europe where same-sex acts are illegal.
  • In the Americas, same-sex acts are prohibited in Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • In Oceania, the region made up of Australia and other island nations in the South Pacific Ocean, same-sex acts are not allowed in Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga andTuvalu.

From whippings to fines for a lack of 'traditional values'

Across the world, criminal sentences for same-sex acts, certain forms of sexual orientation and minority gender expression can range from fines or several months in prison to life in jail, from whipping to the death penalty. In some countries, laws are vague and open to interpretation. In others, it's the exact opposite. In Russia, for example, where same-sex acts have been legal since 1993, the government actively targets LGBTQ+ people and communities through discriminatory propaganda and fines for not having "traditional values."

Where there is the death penalty for same-sex acts:

  • Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and Yemen.

Prison, fines, or whipping for minority forms of sexual or gender expression:

  • Brunei, Kuwait, Malawi, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Tonga, Uganda and United Arab Emirates.

Countries that in recent years decriminalized same-sex relationships:

  • Angola (2021), Botswana (2019), India (2018), Mozambique (2015), Singapore (2023).

Same-sex union: Where it's lawful

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to fully legalize same-sex marriage. It did so in 2001. The U.S. was the 17th country to legalize same-sex unions, which it did in 2015.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 34 places around the world:

  • Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, U.K., U.S. and Uruguay.

Where same-sex marriage was legalized in the last year:

  • Andorra, Cuba, Slovenia.

Where there are pledges to legalize same-sex marriage in 2023:

  • Czech Republic, India, Japan, Philippines.

Countries in Africa where same-sex marriage is legal:

  • South Africa.

Places in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal:

Travel: Where to go, where's a no-go

The Spartacus Blog’s Gay Travel Index advises LGBTQ+ vacationers on which countries they can expect to be most safe in, where their rights are most protected, and where to avoid. Among the criteria assessed: anti-discrimination legislation, marriage/civil partnerships, whether adoption is allowed, transgender rights, infrastructure, views on conversion therapy, religious influence, local hostility, and laws surrounding prosecution.

The U.S. came in at 35 out of 199 global destinations.

LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations in 2023:

  • Malta, Canada, Switzerland.

Where not to go as an LGBTQ+ vacationer, according to the index:

  • Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The most LGBTQ+-friendly U.S. states in 2023:

  • California, New York, Washington, Colorado.

The worst U.S. states to be an LGBTQ+ vacation, per the index:

  • Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia. Florida also fared poorly. In late May, the NAACP issued the following travel advisory as a result of Florida governor and U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis's policies: "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ individuals."

U.S. Christian evangelicals spend big around the world

Human rights campaigners have long complained that U.S. Christian evangelical organizations have pushed policies, laws and public opinion that discriminate against sexual and gender minorities and reproductive rights for people across the world. A 2020 investigation by openDemocracy , for example, found that U.S.-based Family Watch International had, for a decade, been coaching high-ranking African politicians and religious and civic leaders to oppose sexuality education across the continent. Family Watch International also had a hand in shaping Uganda's 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill , according to openDemocracy.

Amount spent globally by U.S. groups on anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ influence campaigns since 2008:

  • At least $280 million.

Amount spent by U.S. groups on anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ influence campaigns in Africa since 2008:

  • At least $54 million.

Amount requested by the Biden administration in 2023 for foreign assistance programs that promote gender equity and equality worldwide for those who face discrimination :

  • $2.6 billion.

Still, according to a recent analysis by the Brookings Institution , these programs chiefly focus on "enabling conditions" for women and young girls "to exercise voice and agency in their homes, workplaces, communities and public life." There is comparatively less understanding, according to the Brookings analysis, about how to deploy these funds for international programs that close rights gaps for sexual and gender minorities.

Reactions to Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Ugandan LGBTQ+ rights activists filed a lawsuit in the country's Constitutional Court challenging the bill. The Biden administration said it was considering imposing sanctions and visa restrictions. The European Union urged Uganda to revoke the bill and protect the rights of all Ugandans and said the law would impact Uganda's ties with international partners. A coalition of major companies including Google and Unilever said the law would curb investment flows to Uganda and deter tourism. One Kenyan lawmaker applauded the bill's passage.

  • "Creating new crimes like these are a well-known way to engineer a legal basis to throw those with divergent views behind bars. It will push many into self-censorship and silence critical voices as Uganda's governance and human rights crises continue to deteriorate." − Clare Byarugaba, Ugandan rights activist
  • "Cry beloved Uganda, cry for this sad day."− Stella Nyanzi, Ugandan human rights advocate
  • "The law foresees the application of the death penalty and long prison sentences for consensual acts between adults. This law raises the risk of worsening the violence and persecution already faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Uganda." − Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General
  • "Uganda's progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat. The stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services."− Joint statement from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
  • "The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights. I join with people around the world − including many in Uganda − in calling for its immediate repeal." − U.S. President Joe Biden
  • "The Uganda law is horrific and wrong. Any law criminalizing homosexuality or imposing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” is grotesque & an abomination. ALL civilized nations should join together in condemning this human rights abuse."− U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
  • "With a lot of humility, I thank my colleague Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure, in the interest of our Country. By their action, we have lived our motto: For God and our Country."− Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among
  • "Wow! What a leader we've in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavor to save humanity … Perversion is treated, not normalized!"− George Kaluma, Kenyan member of Parliament

Sources: ILGA database, Human Rights Watch, Human Dignity Trust , Human Rights Campaign , openDemocracy, U.S. Agency for International Development

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